Petit praises Torreira's bite

Lucas Torreira has helped Arsenal rediscover their dirty streak ahead of Sunday's derby with Tottenham, according to Emmanuel Petit.

Torreira has played a starring role for Arsenal as they head into a mouth-watering fixture against Spurs on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run that has seen the Gunners climb to fifth position.

The Uruguay international, 22, has added some much-needed bite to the midfield following his summer arrival from Sampdoria and ensured Unai Emery's men are no pushovers.

Ex-France international Petit, whose combative partnership with Patrick Vieira spearheaded Arsenal to the league and FA Cup double in Arsene Wenger's first full season in charge 20 years ago, believes Torreira has been what his former employers have been looking for.

"In terms of fighting spirit, Arsenal have needed a player like Torreira," he told Press Association Sport. "With the old back four that I played with and during the Invincibles' era, we had players with anger who would fight for every ball.

"Arsenal have been too glamorous in the past few years, and not dirty enough, but with Torreira, the dirt is coming back into the team. He is not the most talented player, but he is like a dog on the pitch, he is a leader and sets an example.

"He doesn't impress you physically, but you can feel his breath on your neck, and his foot in your calf because he is there all the time, and that is the kind of player you need in a team."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

James Mason grew up in Northumberland so is entrenched in both the football and golf scenes. A low handicap golfer, he also follows Newcastle United and predicts big things under Rafa Benitez.

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